Swindon believes in Looking Beyond when it comes to apprenticeships… Part 5

This week we’ve celebrated just a few of apprentices who are learning their craft in various sectors throughout Swindon and Wiltshire.

We urge our readers –employers, employees, parents, grandparents or young people – to consider apprenticeships as a fantastic route to a career. 

Apprenticeships allow a young person to develop skills in the working world while being paid. Companies are also currently given financial assistance to cover the cost of that apprentice being part of their team. With the best companies they are supported and trained along the way while also being released to their college or apprenticeship provider to complete their studies. They will often be working towards an NVQ in their chosen field. 

Our final apprentice is Jack Head, aged 18, who lives in Chippenham and is a former student at Abbeyfield School. You’ll see him about in Swindon as the team are often working in the town. He’s working towards a Level 2 in plumbing and heating at Chippenham College and his apprenticeship is overseen by company founders John and Debbie Williams.  

Why did you fancy an apprenticeship?

Jack - I felt that I was more of a practical learner than an academic type and decided that an apprenticeship would be a better route for me. It also means that I am able to start earning whilst learning.

How's it going? 

Jack - I feel that my apprenticeship is going really well. I’m six months in and I’m enjoying the amount of learning which happens on the job and have gained lots of new skills already. I’ve met lots of customers and started to think about the value of great customer service.  

Why an apprentice? 

John - We feel that by employing apprentices we are ensuring a pipeline of future talent for the industry – I was an apprentice many years ago and it has worked well for me. I wanted to pass the ladder back down and help another young person start their career. In fact we’ve had more than ten apprentices pass through our business. They also add a different dynamic and have lots of fresh ideas to bring to the table. 

Debbie – I’ve long been a campaigner for people and schools to take apprenticeships more seriously as a valuable career choice. Too often, in my view, there’s a push into higher education and its associated costs for those who might thrive better by learning ‘on the job’. I hope we’re seeing a change in perception when it comes to apprenticeships. These apprentices are among the most motivated and driven young people we’ve ever seen. 

For more information about John Williams Heating Services visit https://jwheating.co.uk